LAUTECH ASUU Begins Indefinite Strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso branch, has commenced an indefinite strike over the non-implementation of the 2025 agreement between the Federal Government and the union, as well as outstanding staff entitlements.

The strike took effect from midnight on Thursday, October 29, following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the university without what the union described as a significant response to its demands.

In a statement dated October 29 and signed by the branch Chairperson, Prof. Olujimi Dada, and Secretary, Dr Soji Arinola, the union said the decision was reached after an emergency congress held on Wednesday to review efforts to resolve the dispute.

The congress followed a meeting between union representatives and the university management on Tuesday, October 27, which was convened to find a resolution and prevent disruption of academic activities.

ASUU said the 2025 Federal Government-ASUU Agreement was signed in December 2025 and subsequently approved for implementation by the university’s Governing Council. However, the council and management reportedly attributed the delay in full implementation to inadequate funding.

The union said it had engaged the university administration, Governing Council and Oyo State Government through formal and informal channels in an attempt to settle the disagreement.

According to the statement, the branch formally declared a trade dispute on October 14 and gave the university 14 days to begin implementing the agreement and settle outstanding entitlements.

Among its key demands are the implementation of the agreement, payment of consequential arrears dating back to January 2026, outstanding balances of Earned Academic Allowance (EAA) and promotion arrears accumulated between 2013 and 2025.

The union also raised concerns about the university’s governance structure, including the composition of the staff disciplinary committee and the Committee of Provosts and Deans, which it said was currently under the Vice-Chancellor’s office.

Other demands include greater transparency in the university’s electronic voting system, adequate office accommodation for staff and improved infrastructure, particularly facilities serving the ICT Unit.

ASUU disclosed that the university management had informed its representatives during Tuesday’s meeting that efforts were being made to contact the institution’s Visitor, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, to seek his intervention.

The union, however, maintained that the steps taken so far had not sufficiently addressed its demands. It also claimed that LAUTECH was among only two universities in the South-West yet to fully implement the agreement.

The branch directed its members to suspend all academic activities for the duration of the strike. The suspension covers lectures, examinations, statutory meetings, laboratory work, teaching and other interactions with students.

ASUU said the industrial action would remain total and indefinite until the university management met its demands. It also instructed members to recognise directives issued by the branch chairperson as the union’s authentic instructions.